Hundreds of thousands of Hungarians filled the streets of Budapest on Thursday in competing demonstrations as supporters of the country’s two main political movements staged mutual shows of strength before next spring’s national election.

With elections due in April, the rival rallies were a standoff between Viktor Orbán and Péter Magyar, his main political challenger who looks set to present the long-serving Hungarian leader with the most competitive ballot in his 15 years in power.

Tens of thousands of people marched in Budapest on October 23 in rival political rallies to mark the anniversary of the 1956 revolt against the communist government that was violently put down by Soviet troops.

A senior White House official said there are no plans for the two to meet "in the immediate future”. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Budapest wasn’t the best place for talks to end the war in his country but he told reporters in Kyiv today that he will attend if invited. He cited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Russia-friendly stance as a difficulty.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is teasing a series of votes punishing Russia for the war in Ukraine, calling legislation that cleared a key Senate panel this week part of a “toolbox” of options meant to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.

Budapest's iconic medicinal waters attract hundreds of people. Avoid the popular, overcrowded Turkish baths for a few hidden gems recommended by an expert.

Vladimir Putin will be allowed safe passage through Bulgarian airspace to attend peace talks with Donald Trump in Hungary.